Expansive fiber separator



Jan. 30, 1951 R s. CHAPMAN ET AL EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Na. -14, 1946 V INVENTORE Jan. 30, 1951 R. s. CHAPMAN ETAL 2,539,990

EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR Filed Nov. 14, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 30, 1951 R. s. CHAPMAN ET AL 2,539,990

EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR Filed Nov. 14, 1946 v 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORJ Jan. 30, 1951 2,539,990

R. S. CHAPMAN ET AL EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR Filed Nov. 14, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 2M 'INVENTORS BY @411 7M Jan. 30, 1951 R. s. CHAPMAN r:rA|

EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 14, 1946 F/GJI.

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FIG/2 Jan; 30, 1951 R. S. CHAPMAN Filed NOV. 14, 1946 ET AL 2,539,990

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/ MAYBLJN MULTIPLE 5% BMI Patented 30, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EXPANSIVE FIBER SEPARATOR Robert S. Chapman and Byron B. Siebenhaar,

Phoenix, Ariz.

Application November 14,1946, Serial No. roasts 6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to expansive fiber separators. used in expanding and extractingfibers from Yucca leaves, sisal plants, ramie stocks and other fiber bearing plants.

In extracting fiber from fiber bearing plants various means and apparatus have heretofore been used, suggested, and tried. Many of these have not progressed beyond the laboratory stage, but in each instance it has been found that the apparatus, method, conditions and results are different from previously known mechanisms and methods used in extracting fiber from other prodbeen determined that the method and apparatus used for extracting fiber from wood chips cannot be successfully used to extract fibers from fiber bearing plants, and vice versa.

The mechanism and method here concerned is intended for its specific purpose and therefore should be entirely distinguished from the other arts above mentioned. The apparatus here concerned makes use of a steel pressure vessel, sometimes termed a "gun" into which fiber bearing plants are introduced, subjected to steam pressure, and then rapidly released thru an orifice of predetermined size, relative to the diameter and length of the cylinder. We have found that previously disclosed rather crude mechanisms cannot be economically used for producing fiber in quantities and are therefore, commercially impractical.

In view of the foregoing, one of the objects of our invention is to provide a mechanism and apparatus for rapidly handling quantities of fiber bearing leaves, and extracting the fiber therefrom in a rapid and eflicient manner;

Another object is to provide apparatus of the type indicated having means for the rapid induction of the raw material and efficient and practical means for handling the expansion thereof;

A further object is to provide mechanism for closing, locking and releasing the expansion valve door thru which the material is released to effect chamber with the loading and firing mechanism attached;

, 2 disruptionoi' the leaf structure and release of the fiber;

A still further object is to provide apparatus for absorbing the shock incident to the action of rapidly moving parts when pressure is released.

Lastly, a further object is to provide a mechanical and electrical system and method whereby a cycle of operation can be conducted automatically together with safety checks to prevent damage to the apparatus or injury to persons operating the mechanism.

However, other objects will appear hereinafter.

We attain the foregoing objects by means of the apparatus and mechanism shown in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a side elevation of the pressure Figure 2, a rear end elevational view thereof drawn onan enlarged scale;

Figure 3, a front elevational view thereof drawn on a. similar scale;

Figure 4, a side elevational view of the rear portion of the chamber, showing the rear or breech closing mechanism, with portions thereof broken away to show interior construction;

Figure 5 is a side elevation of themuzzle portion of the chamber drawn on a similar enlarged scale, and showing the expansion valve locking and releasing mechanism, the shock absorbing devices; and doorreturn mechanism;

Figure 6, an end elevation ofa portion of the valve door closing mechanism, drawn on an enlarged scale;

Figure 7, a side sectional elevation thereof;

Figure 8, a side elevation, partially in section of the expansion valve door sealing and closing cylinder;

Figure 9, a front end elevation thereof;

Figure 10, a rear elevation of the'valve door releasing cylinder;

Figure 11, a side sectional view thereof;

Figure 12, a side sectional elevation of the shock absorbing cylinder, and

Figure 13, a diagram of the connections and electrical hook up used to control the operation of the device thru a cycleof operations.

Similar letters and numerals refer to similar parts in the several views.

a. eash The opposite end a is termed the breech.

The rear of the cylinder is closed by a door I, and the muzzle end by valve door 8. Steam under pressure is introduced through pipes l2 regulated by valve 2 and pressure indicated by steam gauge It.

On top of the cylindrical pressure vessel 2 channel iron bars l5 are welded so as to provide a frame work between which portions of the operating mechanisms are secured. The cylinder thus equipped may be termed a pressure vessel or an expansion gun. The general view of this structure is shown in Fig. l.

The breech closing mechanism is shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 4. This consists of a breech door 1 hinged to swing horizontally by a hinge on the far side of the apparatus as viewed on Figs. 1' and 4 and latched by a closing pin 25. Within the body of the door there is a hydraulically operated piston 2| normally held in retracted position toward the rear by springs 22. Pressure may be introduced into the cavity or cylinder 23 behind this piston through a pipe 24 connected by flexible hose to a source of fluid (preferably oil or the like) under pressure. A lug 25 attached to the near side of the door fits into a clevis 25 on the cylinder body and the two parts are latched together by pin 20 which is provided with a handle 21.

The forward or muzzle end of cylinder 2 is closed by a valve door '8 which is supported on lugs 29 attached by a pin 28 to a hinge bar 85. The hinge bar is in turn supported on hinge pin 3| working in lugs 32 attached to the supporting plate33 welded to the muzzle of cylinder 2. It is here noted that the muzzle end of the cylinder is constricted by swedging the material of cylinder 2 down to a predetermined size. The balance of the cylinder has a uniform circular section. The bar extends upward beyond valve door 8 and is engaged at the top by a clevis 0 controlled through links 5|, 2 and 43 by hydraulically operated sealing cylinder 4. This sealing mechanism is generally referred to by numeral 45. Links 40 embrace a latch roller 41 which engages over the top end of bar 30. The angle from the axis of this roller to the link pin 48 which connects links with link 5! is such that the latch roller is drawn down on bar 30 until it engages lug 48. The latch roller, therefore, is urged rearwardly and downwardly when pressure is applied to it from sealing cylinder A. The latch roller may be released from bar 35 by the action of hydraulic releasing or firing cylinder B. An upward movement of the piston rod of this cylinder will disengage roller 41 from the top end Of bar 35 which acts as a scar. When there is steam pressure in cylinder 2 and latch roller 41 is disengaged from door closing bar 30, the pressure forces the door open and this bar, door 8 and its attendant parts moves downward to the position indicated by dotted lines 50. This downward movement is rapid, forceful, and accumulates a great deal of energy through this movement. It is therefore necessary to provide a shock absorbing and stopping mechanism. This mechanism is indicated generally by 52. It consists, in detail, of a pair of links 53 hinged to lugs 54 on the forward part of bar 38 and to a T-shaped link 55 attached by shaft 55 to channel iron supports 51, which are a part of the frame supporting cylinder 2. As the door moves downward, T link 55 moves from the position shown in solid line in Fig. 5 to a position indicated by the dotted outline. During this movement piston rod 58 of hydraulic dash pot cylinder 0 is forced inward and against the resistance of the fluid contained therein. Links 53 and 55 afford a mechanical advantage so that dash pot cylinder C does not receive the full or direct force of the opening movement of the door 8.

The door closing mechanism consists of a reversible motor 55 carrying a worm gear 6| which drives a sector 52. This sector is shown in detail in Figs. 6 and 7. The sector teeth are formed on a shelf 53 which is journaled to turn on shaft 55. Within shell 53 a removable dog 55 which has double radially positioned lugs and which is attached to shaft 55 upon a squared portion 55. Shaft 55 is keyed to T link 55, and its rotation controls the opening and closing of door -8 thru links 53. Sector 52 is positioned so that upon rotation throughout 160 it will engage the lugs of dog 54 and lugs 55 formed on the inner annular face of shell 58 and turn shaft 55 accordingly. Motor is controlled, as hereinafter described, so that after turning shaft throughout a desired are its current is shut off and it is then reversed. Thereupon the engaging lugs 58 move away from contact with lugs 01' dog 54 a similar distance, so that it is possible for door 8 to move to the open position 50 without mechanical operative contact between lugs 55 and the lugs of dog 54.

The internal structure of hydraulic cylinder A used to hold valve door closed and sealed is shown in Fig. 8. At the right hand end a sub a bore 10 is provided so that as the piston 1| moves outward and to the right it encounters specific and stopping resistance by reason of the insertion of the sub piston or boss 12 in bore 10 which is of smaller diameter than the main cylinder 13. This forms a stop which is necessary to absorb the shock when the thimble 41 releases bar 30.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, it will be noted that a similar sub-piston I5 is added to piston 15 of releasing or firing cylinder B. This acts as a stop to the motion of piston 15 which must absorb the shock as roller 41 rolls over the sear end or top of door closing bar 30.

Dash pot cylinder C, shown in detail in Fig. 12, is provided with a rod 58 which extends through both ends to provide a definite guide and is sealed by glands l8 and 19. It is provided with a piston which fits loosely and with a considerable amount of clearance in the forward end 8! of the cylinder. This clearance is diminished by the converging walls of the cylinder toward the rear as indicated by numeral 82, and finally a. dash pot sub cylinder of reduced bore 83, is formed at the rear to provide a definite stop. The cylinder is normally filled with hydraulic fluid which may be injected or withdrawn as desired through pipes 84 and 85 shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5. As the piston 80 moves from the forward position of the cylinder toward the rear it meets with a calculated amount of resistance until it encounters the restricted portion 82, whereupon the resistance is progressively increased. This continues until the piston enters the diminished cylindrical portion 83, whereupon the resistance is so increased that it affords a definite stop. In this way the kinetic energy of the moving door and its attendant parts is absorbed gradually and unwanted strain on the various parts eliminated.

From the foregoing it will be seen that we have provided a cylindrical device which constitutes a steam treatment pressure vessel; a

means for loading material to be treated into the breech of the vessel. which includes the breech door-I with attendant sealing mechanism; an expansion door 8 with attendant sealing, releasing, and shock absorbing mechanism; and mechanism for returning the door 8 to closed position.

These various functional parts may be operated manually if necessary or desired. Thus, oil under pressure may be introduced thru pipe IOI controlled by two way valves A-I and A-2 to either end of sealing cylinder'A to control movement of its rod I04. Oil pressure relief is afforded by return pipes I which may be used to return the oilto the source of supply. The direction of fluid flow is indicated by arrows at the broken end of these pipes. Outward movement of piston rod I04 will draw links 40 inward from the muzzle end 5 of cylinder 2 and force valve door 8 tightly on and into its seat. Great mechanical advantage is provided by the link and lever system between rod I04 and thimble roller 41.

When it is desired to release the door -8 the rod I08 of releasing cylinder B is drawn upward. This is actuated by oil pressure introduced thru pipe I00 and two-way valve B-I to the lower end of the cylinder. Relief of oil pressure on the opposite end of the cylinder may be had thru pipe III, valve B2 and pipe II3. Direction of supply and return flow of the oil supply is indicated by arrows.

Dash pot cylinder C, operating as a shock absorber or duplex dash pot, normally needs no oil supply, but pipes 84 and 85 are provided for relief and replenishing of its supply.

Similar oil pressure lines may be used to supply and relieve pressure thru pipe 24 leading to chamber 23 in door 1 in order to force piston 2| to seal against the rim of the open breech of cylinder 2.

It is obvious that valves controlling these pressures may be manually operated in proper operative szquence, when desired. Likewise motor 60 operating valve door closing shaft may be manually operated by switches as and when desired, or shaft 56 manually turned. However, as hereinafter explained, all these parts may be electrically operated in proper sequence to eil'ect an automatic operation and control of a complete operative cycle. In connection with this, certain safety stops can be provided which will prevent harmful or dangerous operation; that is, to prevent opening either door with pressure on until ready, to prevent introduction of pressure until all doors are closed, and to stop cyclic action upon failure or incomplete action of any of the operative elements. In operation, steam under a considerable pressure is introduced into cylinder 2, both ends of the cylinder should then be completely closed and operative. Often raw or finished material clogs these openings or prevents complete function of some of the parts. In such an event the operation should be stopped and/or a warning given so that the obstruction may be removed before continuing.

Operation, generally, may be described as fol- Second.-And concurrently with the first. operation, motor 80 operates shaft 88 and raises valve door I to closed position; the piston in cyl-.

lnder B is moved to lowered position bringing thimble 41 into engagement with the upper or sear end of bar 30 and against lug 40; the piston in sealing cylinder A is then moved to forward position drawing bar 80 upon door 8 to form a tight seal; and then motor 60 is reversed to move the lugs 88 away from the lugs of dog 64. This closes and seals the muzzle and readies it for firing.

Third.--The cylindrical pressure vessel is loaded with raw leaf material thru the open breech; the breech door I is next closed, locking pin 20 inserted, and pressure introduced into chamber 23 to seal the breech.

Fourth-Steam is introduced thru pipe I2 then valve IIZ into cylindrical pressure vessel 2 until the desired pressure is indicated on steam gauge dial II. The gun is then ready for firing the load.

Fijth.-The load is fired by introducing oil under pressure into the lower portion of releasing cylinder B. This lifts thimble roller 41 so as to sear over the upper end of bar 30; the door 8 then opens with a downward movement, dash pot cylinder C receives the shock and stops its movement thru reduction linkage 53 and 58; the piston in releasing cylinder B receives the shock as the sear clears roller 41, and the confined closing pressure in sealing piston A forces it to its forward position. The load then discharges and expands thru the orifice in muzzle 8, and the cycle is completed.

To explain the electrical control and operation of the device reference is made particularly to the diagram in Figure 13. The various switches, contacts and valves, however, are shown diagrammatically in the several figures of the drawings.

Switches and contactors M is a main circuit contactor.

A is a slow releasing contactor for controlling the operation of solenoids of the A-I and A 2 valves on clinder A.

B is a contactor for controlling the operation .of solenoids of the B-I and B2 valves, on cyl inder B.

F is a contactor which controls the firing of the gun, by operating B-I valve.

S is a contactor for controlling the operation (1; a steam valve II2 on the steam supply pipe T is a timer coil, or timer motor.

TS is a timer contactor for controlling the operation of the timer.

BS is a reversing contactor for reversing the motor 00 in the mechanism that returns door 8 to the closed position.

BM a contactor for controlling the operation of the muzzle door closing motor 60 and brake if used.

AI-S is a solenoid coil of the A-I valve.

AZ-S is a solenoid coil of the A-2 valve.

BI% is a solenoid coil of the BI valve.

B2-'-S is a solenoid coil of the B2 valve.

SV, a solenoid coil of the steam control valve.

Switches muzzle is closed.

one set of normally closed contacts and a set of normally open contacts.

MC is a switch with one set of normally open contacts and one set of normally closed 'contacts.

6-4 and G4 are switches each with a set of normally closed contacts. Contacts open when the motor is in the oil or returned to open position.

Aut. R. P., automatic pressure regulator, for keeping, steam pressure constant during period of cooking andimpregnation.

Automatic operation of control panel and gun mechanisms-start of panel operation with the closing of the main line switch:

Cycle of continuous operation-breech and muzzle open a 1. With breech and muzzle doors open, BM operates through follow up contacts CC and MC l-t contacts; BM operated starts motor 01' muzzle door return mechanism through BM-l and BM-2 contacts. Muzzle door is then returned to closed position. This operation takes place during the time the gun is being loaded. BM holds through BM-3 contacts.

2*. F operates through the timer cam contacts Tl-3, through the closed CB switch, through the normally closed PSA l-3 contacts and closed MC l--2 contacts. MC l2 are closed when F holds through F-l holding contacts and releases Bl-S valve, by the opening of normally closed F-I contacts.

3. B operates through closed contacts of switches CA, CB, PSA l3 and MC l2. B holds through B-l, PSA l3 and MC ll contacts.

4. When muzzle is closed MC l--3 contacts are opened, releasing BM, stopping motor 60. When motor return mechanism starts to close muzzle, G-l and G--2 contacts are then closed. When MC l-2 closes, RS operates through closed G-2 contacts. RS furnishes the reversing circuit for the motor 60, RS is a slow releasing contactor.

5. When B is operated in position, B2S valve is operated through 3-! contacts. B2-S valve operated, moves piston B to closing and sealing position. When piston B is in closed position, RC is closed and as pressure is built up, PSB operates.

6. A operates through closed RC and PS3 contacts, and a holding circuit through A2 is established across PSB. A--3 also establishes a holding circuit across the stop switch.

7. When muzzle MC l-2 contacts are closed and RC is closed BM again operates through with BM operated and the motor reversing RS contactor operated the motor is then reversed through RSI l-2 and RS2 l-2 contacts. The motor then returns the closing tion. When pressure is built up, PSA l-2 contacts close and PSA l-l contacts open, releasing B. Release 01' B releases the 32-3 valve.

9. Now when PSA I-2 contacts close MC-l are already closed, and ii BCI and B02 contacts are closed, then TS contactor operates thru timer cam T l-S contacts. It 30! and BC! are not closed yet, awaiting loadingiot the gun, the operation stalls until the breech door is closed, locked and pressure applied to the breech, after which TS operates.

10. T8, operated, starts timer T running through TS-2 contacts and also operating the S contactor through the TS I, Aut. P. R., BCI, BC2, PSA l--2 and MC l,2 contacts.

11. The automatic pressure regulator regulate and controls the S contactor which in turn controls the steam valve, solenoid SV.

12. After a predetermined time, the timer T l-3 contacts open, releasing the TS contactor. Releasing TS releases the S contactor; S releases SV, the solenoid oi the steam valve 2.

13. The timer holds through its own cam contacts T I-2 after TS releases, thereby return ing the timer to the oil position."

14. With TS released, F contactor also is released. F released, operates Bl-S valve through normally closed contacts F2.

15. When Bl--S operates it causes pressure to be applied to the B piston which operates and fires the gun. With the opening of the muzzle door, MC l-2 open and MC l-3 contacts close. RC also opens, releasing A, A, releasing, releases the Al-S and operates A2-S piston A goes to the open position. Piston B is already in the released position. Switches CA and CB are then closed. 7

16. The breech door is manually opened as soon as the gun is fired. The muzzle door is already in the open position at this time. The cycle of operation then reverts to position #1, advancing to position #9, awaiting loading and reclosing oi. the breech door. When the breech is reclosed the cycle of operation continues again advancing to final position #16.

These cycles of operation continue until the operation is stopped by the operation of the stop switch. I

Special features 1. Emergency fire control switch" makes it possible to fire gun before regular timing period has expired. 7

2. "Emergency steam switch allows operator to cut oil the steam any time he may desire.

3. The A-3 holding circuit prevents the operator from releasing the M contactor, or stopping operation when the gun is under pressure.

4. If steam is not to be cut oil until after the muzzle door is open, then short out TS--| contacts and S contactor will hold until MC l-2 contacts are opened.

Having now fully described our invention and explained its use, we consider that the following I 9 claims should be given a broad and liberal inter? pretation. I I

We claim:

1. A cylindrical pressure vessel for extracting fiber from fiber bearing plants by theexplosion process including, in combination, a cylindrical pressure vessel having an open breech, and a constricted muzzle orifice; means for introducing steam under pressure into said cylindrical pressure vessel; means for indicating the pressure within said cylindrical pressure vessel; a breech door hinged to open and close over said breech; means for sealing said breech door ,when in closed position, including a breech door cylinder formed therein, a piston operative in said breech door cylinder having a sealing surface-adjacent the rim of said breech, and means for introducing hydraulic fluid under pressure into said breech door cylinder; a muzzle closing valve door adapted to close and seal said cylindrical pressure vessel muzzle and supported by hinge structure to said cylindrical pressure vessel; means for operating said muzzle closing valve door from open to closed position including a motor, operative closing elements, and means for reversing said motor and moving said elements toinoperative position whereby said door is free to open: mechanism for sealing said valve door in closed position including a sear on said door, a thimble roller supported on linkage operated by a hydraulic sealing cylinder adapted to engage over said sear and draw said door against said muzzle orifice; means for releasing said door includ ng a hydraulic releasing cylinder having a piston rod adapted to move said thimble from engagement with said sear; and means for retarding and stopping opening movement of said muzzle valve door including a hydraulic dash pot cylinder having a piston rod connected by mechanical gain linkage to said door hinge structure, a piston loosely operating in said dash pot cylinder, said dash pot cylinder having portions of its bore formed with diminishing diameter whereby its piston is progressively retarded by greater resistance as it moves from its position when the said door is closed to its position with said door opened.

2. In a device of the type disclosed. a cylindrical pressure vessel having an open breech and muzzle; means for introducing steam therein and controlling pressure thereof, a hinged breech door, means for latching said door in closed position, a breech door sealing cylinder and piston operative therein actuated by hydraulic pressure; a muzzle valve door hinged to said cylindrical pressure vessel adapted to move from a position closing said door in closed position after it has been moved to closed position and seal it against said vessel muzzle to an open position away from said door;

electrical motor means for movingsaid door from open to closed position; hydraulic means including a sealing cylinder for sealing said muzzle door upon said muzzle; hydraulic means including a releasing cylinder for rapid release of said sealing means; and hydraulic means including a dash pot cylinder for slowing and stopping the opening movement of said muzzle door; in combination with electrical mechanism adapted to control operation of said pressure vessel thru an operative expansion cycle including switches and circuits to actuate said electrical motor means so as to return said muzzle door from opened position to closed position and thereafter move said electrical motor closing means to inoperative position; electrical switches and solenoids adapted to operate valves to admit fluid under pressure to successively latch said muzzle muzzle, electricalswitches, circuits and solenoids adapted to open valves to introduce steam for a predetermined time at a predetermined pressure into said cylindrical pressure vessel after said muzzle door is closed and latched and said breech door is closed and locked; and electrical circuits and switches arranged to open the valve to admit hydraulic fluid under pressure to the cylinder controlling the sealing piston and release said muzzle sealing mechanism, together with switches in circuit with said operative control switches in circuit with and controlled by said operative elements adapted to stop said cyclic operation upon operative failure of an of said parts.

3. In a cylindrical pressure vessel, as herein disclosed, having a breech with a breech opening, a manually operable breech door thereon adapted to be closed and sealed on said breech opening muzzle orifice and a valve door pivotally supported on a pivotally mounted hinge bar adapted to extend diametrically across said muzzle, hinged at one end and adapted to swing from a position holding said valve door closed to an opening position extending away from said muzzle; the combination therewith of valve door latching and releasing mechanism including a sear formed at the unhinged end of said hinge bar, a latching clevis consisting of a pair of links embracing a latch roller, adapted to swing from a latching position, engaging said hinge bar, to a position disengaged therefrom, a latch lever pivotally supported on said muzzle structure, hinged to said clevis, and connected thru power multiplying lever and linkage means to the piston rod of a double acting hydraulic valve door sealing cylinder whereby said hinge bar when latched by said clevis can be forced to closed position, with said valve door sealing said muzzle orifice; mechanism for releasing said valve door when subject to steam pressure within said pressure vessel, including a double acting hydraulic valve door releasing cylinder, a piston operative therein having a piston rod pivotally attached to the end of said latching clevis carrying said latch roller and adapted to hold said latch roller downward on the sear portion of said hinge bar, or move it upward to released position therefrom; said sealing and releasing cylinders having fiuid supply and release pipes and means for controlling fluid pressure on either side of their pistons whereby pressure on one side actuates their piston rods to attain said holding and releasing movements, and fiuid on the opposite side acts to cushion movements of said piston rods after release of said latch roller from said sear.

4. In a cylindrical pressure vessel, as herein disclosed, having a breech with a breech opening. a manually operating door adapted to close and seal said breech opening, a muzzle, an orifice therein, a valve door pivotally supported on a pivotally mounted hinge bar, adapted to swing from a position with said valve door closing said muzzle orifice to an opened position extending away therefrom, the combination therewith of mechanism for stopping and absorbing the shock of opening movement of said valve door, when opened under steam pressure, including lugs centrally attached to and extending outward from said hinge bar, links pivotally attached at their upper ends to said lugs extending downward parallel with said hinge bar and over the pivotal mounting thereof, and pivoted at their lower ends to a T-shaped link supported on said vessel muzzle to form a movement reducing lever, and

- a double acting hydraulic dash pot cylinder supported on said muzzle having a piston and a piston rod operatively attached to said T link in movement reducing relation thereto; said hydraulic dash pot cylinder having a bore to loosely receive its said piston at its outer end, to act as a displacement dasher and slightly retard initial inward compressive action of said piston, an intermediate converging tapering bore to progressively increase fluid resistance to inward movement of said piston, and a bore closely conforming to the diameter of said piston at its inner end to afford a hydraulic check to inward piston movement at the inner end of the piston movement, together with valved pipes connected to each end of said dash pot cylinder adapted to furnish or remove fluid from either end thereof.

5. In a cylindrical pressure vessel, as herein disclosed, having a breech with a breech opening, a manually operating breech door adapted to close and seal said breech opening, a muzzle, an orifice therein, a valve door pivotally supported on a hinge bar pivoted to said cylindrical pressure vessel muzzle by a hinged pin keyed to said hinged bar so as to swing from a position with said valve door closing said muzzle orifice to an opened position extending away therefrom; the combination therewith of valve door closing mechanism including a drive shaft oneratively connected by linkage to rotate responsive to the opening and closing hinging movement of said valve door, a dog attached on said shaft to turn therewith, a sector gear journalled to turn on said shaft having lugs adapted to engage said dog and rotate said shaft after a predetermined i'ree rotative movement, a reversible motor adapted to drive said sector thru a worm gear, and means for controlling rotational operation of said motor, whereby, said sector lugs can be brought into engagement with said dog and rotate said drive shaft to eilect closing movement of said valve door, and then to reverse said motor so as to rotate said sector so that its lugs are backed away from engagement with said dog to permit free opening movement of said door.

6. In a cylindrical pressure vessel, adapted to disintegrate and expand fiber bearing plants, having a steam inlet pipe closed by an electrically operated valve, a breech having an opening, a

manually closable breech door having an hydraulic breech door sealing cylinder and piston operable therein adapted to seal on said breech opening, and pipes carrying hydraulic fluid una 12 der pressure connected to said cylinder, closed by electrically ;operated valves, and a muzzle opening closed by a hinged valve door having an electric motor driven mechanism adapted to close said valve door, and a valve door sealing latch operated by a hydraulic piston and sealing cylinder having inlet and outlet pipes controlled by electrically operated valves, and a latch trip mechanism operated by a hydraulic piston and releasing cylinder having hydraulic fluid inlet and outlet pipes controlled by electrically operated valves, the combination therewith of an electric cyclic operation control device including in circuit with an electric power supply, a slow release time switch adapted to close the circuit to operate said muzzle valve door closing mechanism; switches dependent on said valve door closure operation, adapted to close the circuit to open the valve to operate said muzzle valve door sealing latch piston; a switch on said breech door adapted to prevent further operating of said circuit unless said breech door is closed and sealed; a switch on said muzzle valve door sealing latch adapted to prevent further cyclic operating until said valve door is closed and latched; a timing switch adapted to close a circuit to open the valve in said steam admission pipe for a predetermined time; and a switch to open the valve on the pipe admitting hydraulic fluid to said sealing latch trip mechanism, a predetermined time after said steam inlet valve has operated.

' ROBERT S. CHAPMAN.

BYRON B. SIEBENHAAR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,480,170 Logan Jan. 8, 1924 1,578,306 Wood Mar. 30, 1926 1,578,609 Mason Mar. 30, 1926 1,824,221 Mason Sept. 22, 1931 2,086,266 Heue July 6, 1937 2,116,212 Plews May 3, 1938 2,132,987 Kiewit Oct. 11, 1 938 2,279,868 Hayden Apr. 14, 1942 2,362,870 Ward Nov. 14, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 30,295 Australia Nov. 21, 1930 

